In this episode, Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey of grief and healing after the loss of her son. She reflects on her experiences during a transformative trip, the challenges of navigating life as a grieving mother, and the importance of redefining her identity beyond grief. Cristi emphasizes the need for community and shared experiences in the grieving process, and she discusses her desire to create a space for others to share their stories and find support.

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Grief therapy options include support groups and individual therapy

2.Individual therapy can help address personal grief narratives.

Support groups provide community and shared experiences.

Choosing the right support depends on personal preferences and needs.

Vulnerability is essential in the healing process.

Grief can trigger lifelong emotional issues.

There is no quick fix for grief; it is a journey.

Time and support are crucial in navigating grief.https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/

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#grief, #cancer, #road trip, #personal journey, #podcasting, #mental health, #storytelling, #community, #healing, #self-discoveryIn this episode, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey of grief following the loss of her son, Christopher, who passed away after battling cancer. She discusses her plans for a road trip to honor his memory and explore places he wished to visit. Cristi also reflects on her health challenges and the impact of her job on her well-being, expressing a desire to reorganize her life. She shares her intentions to continue the podcast by telling stories of grief and answering questions from listeners, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the healing process.takeaways

• Cristi is planning a road trip to honor her son.
• She aims to explore places her son wanted to visit.
• Health challenges have prompted her to leave her job.
• The podcast will include storytelling about grief.
• Cristi is open to sharing listener stories and questions.
• She acknowledges the support from her podcast audience.
• The journey is both a personal and healing experience.
• Cristi is adapting to being on camera for the podcast.
• She hopes to inspire others through her experiences.
• The podcast will continue to evolve with new content.

In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann reflects on the profound impact of loss, particularly the loss of her son, on both emotional and physical health. She discusses the importance of recognizing how grief manifests in the body and introduces somatic therapy as a means to address these physical responses. Cristi emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to grief that includes understanding the connection between emotional pain and physical symptoms, and she explores various somatic techniques and Eastern medicine practices that can aid in the healing process. In this conversation, Cristi Habermann delves into the intricate relationship between grief and the body's energy centers, known as chakras. She discusses how emotional states can manifest physically, particularly in relation to grief and loss. The conversation covers various techniques for processing grief, including somatic therapy, mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, and the importance of movement and dance. Cristi emphasizes the significance of meditation in calming the mind to facilitate healing and encourages listeners to explore their emotional states through body scanning and yoga. Ultimately, she highlights that grief is a lifelong journey that requires patience and self-compassion.takeaways

• Grief affects not only emotions but also physical health.
• Somatic therapy helps in managing emotional pain through the body.
• Parts therapy suggests that trauma can fragment parts of the self.
• There is no single way to navigate grief; each person's journey is unique.
• Understanding where grief resides in the body can aid healing.
• Chronic illnesses can arise as a result of grief and trauma.
• Eastern medicine offers valuable insights into body awareness and healing.
• The chakra system connects emotional issues to physical health.
• Energy work can help in processing grief and emotional pain.
• It's important to find personal coping mechanisms that resonate with you. The heart chakra is associated with love and hatred.
• Grief can lead to physical issues, particularly lung disorders.
• The throat chakra is crucial for communication and personal expression.
• The third eye chakra supports intuition and self-evaluation.
• The crown chakra represents spiritual connections and trust.
• Somatic grief therapy helps process emotions stored in the body.
• Mindful breathing reduces anxiety and promotes presence.
• Progressive muscle relaxation can release stored emotions.
• Grounding techniques help maintain emotional stability.
• Movement and dance are effective for processing grief.

• Healing Through Grief: The Body's Response
• Understanding Grief: A Journey Through the Body
• Somatic Therapy: Healing the Body and Mind
• The Connection Between Grief and Physical Health
• Navigating Loss: A Holistic Approach to Healing
• Exploring the Body's Memory of Grief

• "It's one of the best things I did."
• "Loss affects our physical body."
• "Parts of yourself break off."
• "There's only one way through it."
• "Where does that feeling live in your body?"
• "I want to provide tools that you can use."
• "I can feel who's sad, who they're angry at."
• "The chakras connect us to our emotional areas."
• "Mindful breathing can help reduce anxiety."
• "Stored up emotion becomes disease."
• "Meditation is a skill like anything else."
• "Grief is like an onion; we peel one layer."
• "Grief is a complex, multi-faceted experience." #grief, # loss, #somatic therapy, #emotional health, #physical health, #child loss, #healing, # mental health, #energy work, #coping mechanisms, #heart chakra, #grief, #lung health, #throat chakra, #third eye, #crown chakra, #somatic therapy, #mindful breathing, #progressive muscle #relaxation, #grounding techniques, # movement, #dance, #body scanning, #yoga, #meditation https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/

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#grief, #ghosting, #grieving insomniacs, #mental health, #coping mechanisms, #support, #loss, #emotional health, #podcast, #healing

In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her son. She discusses the importance of communication and connection during the grieving process, highlighting the phenomenon of 'ghosting'—when friends and family withdraw support during a time of loss. Cristi emphasizes the emotional turmoil that ghosting can cause and offers insights into coping mechanisms for those who are grieving. The conversation aims to normalize the experience of grief and provide support for listeners who may feel isolated in their sorrow.

takeaways

• Talking about grief is essential for healing.
• Ghosting can be a painful experience for grievers.
• Grief is a complex and individual journey.
• Support from friends and family is crucial during grief.
• It's important to understand that feelings of grief are valid.
• People often ghost due to their discomfort with grief.
• Grief can lead to feelings of abandonment and depression.
• Coping mechanisms are vital for managing grief.
• Words can have a profound impact on those who are grieving.
• Finding a supportive community can aid in the grieving process.

• Navigating Grief: The Impact of Ghosting
• Understanding Grief Ghosting and Its Effects

• "Don't avoid the person."
• "Be kind to yourself."
• "Find your people."

In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey of grief following the loss of her son, Christopher. She reflects on the challenges of navigating life and holidays without him, the impact of grief on family dynamics, and the ongoing struggle with health issues. Cristi emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, the complexities of healing, and the need for support during difficult times, especially around the holidays. She also discusses her desire to honor Christopher's memory through her podcast and the significance of sharing stories of loss.

Takeaways

• Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• The impact of losing a child extends beyond the individual to family dynamics.
• Holidays can amplify feelings of loss and absence.
• It's important to acknowledge and validate feelings of sadness during the holidays.
• Grief does not have a set timeline; it evolves over time.
• Sharing stories of loss can foster connection and understanding.
• Health challenges can bring back memories of lost loved ones.
• Reflecting on life choices can lead to feelings of regret.
• Carrying grief means keeping the memory of loved ones alive.
• Support from others is crucial in navigating grief.

• Navigating Grief During the Holidays
• The Unending Journey of Grief

• "Each year brings different struggles."
• "I want to do over."
• "I miss his sarcastic sense of humor."
• 
  

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRKjHcMsu1w Christmas Blues

https://youtu.be/t0wvBbBijVY Journal with me series episode 2: A Christmas letter to my child.

In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey through grief, particularly focusing on the challenges of moving on after the loss of her child, Christopher. She emphasizes the importance of being real about grief, discussing the emotional struggles that come with the holidays, and offering coping strategies for those who are grieving.

Cristi highlights the pain of seeing others move on while feeling stuck in grief, and she provides insights on how to navigate the complexities of holiday gatherings while honoring one's own needs and emotions

Takeaways

• Grief is a unique journey that requires honesty.
• The pain of moving on can be overwhelming.
• Holidays can trigger deep emotional pain for grievers.
• It's important to honor your own needs during grief.
• Isolation can be a coping mechanism for some.
• Coping strategies include wearing comforting clothing and staying hydrated.
• It's okay to not feel thankful during Thanksgiving.
• Grief can manifest in unexpected ways, including physical symptoms.
• People often minimize the experiences of those who are grieving.
• Acknowledging sadness is a vital part of the healing process.

In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey through grief after the loss of her son. She discusses the challenges of navigating grief during the holiday season, the importance of self-care, and the need for open conversations about loss. Cristi emphasizes that each person's grief journey is unique and encourages listeners to create new traditions that honor their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.

Takeaways

• Cristi started the podcast to share her grief journey.
• Loss can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• It's important to talk about grief openly.
• There is no 'how-to' guide for grieving; each journey is unique.
• Holidays can amplify feelings of grief and sadness.
• Self-care is crucial during the grieving process.
• It's okay to opt out of holiday celebrations if needed.
• Creating new traditions can help in coping with loss.
• Grief can be triggered by memories and family gatherings.
• Acknowledging feelings of grief is essential for healing.

• Navigating Grief: A Journey Through Loss
• The Importance of Talking About Grief

• "It's tough during the holidays."
• "We fake it till we make it."
• "It's time to make new rules."

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In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey of grief following the loss of her son. She discusses the concept of gaslighting in the context of grief, where others deny or trivialize the grieving person's reality. Cristi emphasizes the profound impact of grief on her life and the societal pressures that often accompany it. She explores the themes of trivialization, projection, and the importance of self-validation in the grieving process. Throughout the conversation, Cristi offers insights on coping with grief, finding support, and the necessity of setting boundaries with those who may not understand the depth of one's pain.takeaways

• Grief can profoundly change a person's reality.
• Gaslighting occurs when others deny the reality of grief.
• It's essential to validate one's own feelings during grief.
• Society often imposes unrealistic timelines for grieving.
• Trivializing grief can be harmful and isolating.
• Finding a supportive community is crucial for healing.
• Self-validation is key to coping with grief.
• Setting boundaries with unsupportive individuals is necessary.
• Coping with grief is a personal journey that takes time.
• Healing from grief involves accepting the loss and moving forward.

• Understanding Grief: The Impact of Loss
• Coping with Grief: Finding Your Own Path

• "Gaslighting is denying someone else's reality."
• "Grief changed everything about me."
• "Don't deny my reality."

keywords: grief, gaslighting, loss, coping, support, mental health, grieving process, emotional pain, self-validation, societal expectations.

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Grief and Gaslighting

02:39Understanding Gaslighting in Grief

05:19The Impact of Trivialization and Projection

10:25Navigating Grief and Isolation

15:41Coping Mechanisms and Seeking Support

21:31The Role of Therapy in Grief

27:04Empowerment Through Education and Boundaries

32:03Accepting Grief and Moving Forward https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/

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In this episode, Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey through grief after losing a child and discusses the impact of grief on relationships. She explores common fears surrounding divorce after such a loss, the importance of communication and understanding between partners, and the role of forgiveness in healing. Cristi emphasizes the need for coping mechanisms and support systems, and she reflects on how grief can either strengthen or challenge relationships. The conversation concludes with insights on the importance of counseling and the necessity of working through grief before making significant decisions like divorce.takeaways

• Cristi shares her personal experience of being cancer-free after treatment.
• Grief can significantly impact relationships, especially after the loss of a child.
• Many couples fear divorce after losing a child, but it's not inevitable.
• Differences in grieving styles can lead to conflict in relationships.
• Forgiveness is crucial for healing after a loss.
• Expressing grief is essential for emotional health.
• Support systems play a vital role in coping with grief.
• The strength of a relationship before the loss can influence its outcome after.
• Counseling can be beneficial for couples navigating grief together.
• It's important to take time before making decisions about divorce after a loss.

• Forgiveness and Healing in Grief
• The Impact of Grief on Relationship

• "Does this mean I'm going to get divorced?

#grief, #relationships, #divorce, coping mechanisms, forgiveness, support systems, #child loss, emotional health, marriage, mental health

In this conversation, Cristi Habermann delves into the complex emotions surrounding survivor's guilt, particularly in the context of losing a child. She explores the symptoms and implications of survivor's guilt, the concept of moral injury, and the challenges of navigating complicated grief. Cristi emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and finding meaning in loss as essential coping strategies. She also discusses the need to incorporate the memory of lost loved ones into daily life as a way to cope with grief and survivor's guilt.takeaways

• Survivor's guilt is a response to the loss of others.
• Parents often feel they should have protected their children.
• Moral injury can exacerbate feelings of survivor's guilt.
• Complicated grief involves a failure to integrate loss into life.
• Self-forgiveness is crucial for healing from grief.
• Finding meaning in loss can help in coping with grief.
• Grieving parents need support from those who understand their loss.
• Practicing gratitude can be a powerful coping mechanism.
• Incorporating memories of lost loved ones into life is important.
• The experience of losing a child is unique and deeply personal.

• Transforming Grief into Purpose
• Incorporating Loss into Daily Life

• "Why couldn't I have died instead?"
• "Survivor's guilt comes from a negative evaluation of ourselves."
• "I had to forgive myself for the things I believed I did wrong."

00:00Understanding Survivor's Guilt

03:07The Impact of Moral Injury

05:55Navigating Complicated Grief

10:11The Role of Self-Forgiveness

16:00Finding Meaning in Loss22:00Incorporating Loss into Life #survivor's guilt, #grief, #moral injury, #complicated grief, #self-forgiveness, #loss, #parenting, #mental health, #coping strategies, #meaning in suffering

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked emotional burden of grief in medical care. Many doctors are trained to treat the physical symptoms of illness but may struggle to fully understand or address the complex emotional and psychological aspects of grief that their patients experience. We'll discuss how the medical system often falls short in supporting those grieving, whether it's after a terminal diagnosis or the loss of a loved one.

Cristi Habermann shares personal experiences and stories of how having cancer the same diagnosis her son died from is affecting her healing journey. Cristi discusses both the positive and negative interactions with medical professionals.

Secondly, we dive into the importance of being authentic in grief—embracing it fully rather than hiding it away. Together, we explore ways to advocate for better understanding and support from healthcare providers and how patients can assert their need for compassionate care.

This episode aims to empower listeners to navigate their grief with authenticity and courage, while also equipping them with the tools to advocate for themselves in medical settings. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, this conversation offers insights into bridging the gap between medicine and the human experience of loss.

Tune in for a heartfelt and eye-opening episodes that challenges the way we think about grief in healthcare.

#grief

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In this heartfelt episode, we explore the profound and painful journey of a mother diagnosed with cancer, following the loss of her son, Christopher, to the same disease. We delve into the depths of fear, grief, and guilt, and discover how these emotions can shape a desire for a more authentic life. Join us as we discuss the lessons of grief, the resilience of the human spirit, and the strength it takes to navigate such an intense and personal storm. This episode highlights the raw truth of surviving cancer as a grieving mother and the powerful journey toward healing and authenticity." https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/

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In this episode, we delve into the "Dark Night of the Soul," a term that describes the deep, transformative crisis many people endure during periods of intense grief and major life changes—at the same time, discussing the hiatus in podcast episodes due to life changes. Christopher's birthday and death day have recently passed along with the death of some dear family members. May and June are not months of happiness for our family. This episode aims to provide comfort, and support, to listeners navigating their dark nights, ultimately reminding them that there is light and growth on the other side of their struggles.

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Welcome to Grieving Insomniacs the podcast where we explore the raw and real experiences of life, grief, and healing. I'm your host, Cristi Habermann and in today's episode, we're delving into a topic that holds profound significance for many: surviving Mother's Day as a grieving mother.

Mother's Day, a day celebrated with joy and love, can also be a source of profound pain for those who have lost a child. For grieving mothers, this day can feel like a relentless reminder of what's been lost, amplifying the ache of absence and the complexity of emotions.

In this episode, we will discuss the ways that our past experiences, beliefs, and history can impact how grieving mothers survive Mother's Day. We'll explore the various ways in which this day can evoke a spectrum of emotions, from sorrow and longing to peace.

Through candid conversations and heartfelt reflections, we'll shed light on the unique challenges that grieving mothers face during this time and offer insights into how to honor and remember their children amidst the sea of Mother's Day celebrations.

Whether you're a grieving mother seeking solace and understanding or someone looking to support a grieving loved one, this episode aims to provide comfort, solidarity, and a sense of community.

So, join us as we embark on this journey of remembrance, resilience, and renewal. This is Grief Reflections: Navigating Mother's Day as a Grieving Mother."

Today marks my granddaughter's 13th birthday, a day etched with profound significance in my son's tumultuous journey. It ranks as one of the toughest days he ever faced, second only to the heart-wrenching news of a cancer diagnosis on his 25th birthday. My granddaughter, just three months old when he passed away, remains a poignant symbol of love and loss in our family's narrative.

For many years, I found myself estranged from her family, unable to partake in the joyous moments of her growing up. Not once have I had the opportunity to celebrate her birthday in person. Instead, this day acts as a precursor to the crescendo of grief that peaks on June 19th, laden with anniversary dates and haunting memories. With each passing year, the burden of navigating through this emotional terrain grows heavier.

In this episode, I contemplate what I would convey to my granddaughter if she were to unexpectedly appear at my doorstep on her 18th birthday. I grapple with the complexities of absence, longing to bridge the chasm that separates us, yearning for the chance to share in her milestones.

It pains me to acknowledge that my experience is not singular. Many grandparents find themselves distanced from their grandchildren following the loss of their children. I wish this were not a topic I needed to podcast about, yet here we are. Join me in this conversation, and share your thoughts on this journey of grief and separation.

Also, listen to "In the beginning there was death." Episode 1

I've returned following an unintentional hiatus of a month. In this episode, I delve into a recent discussion I had with friends regarding the dynamics of friendships. Through this conversation, I realized that the experience of grief has altered the way I perceive these relationships. I find myself not feeling as intimately connected to people as I once did, and this extends to my relationships with family members. Has this happened to you? Let's talk about it on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

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Grief triggers can sneak up on you when you least expect it, catching you off guard. In my recent experience, one such trigger catapulted me back to the day right after Christopher passed away. As I found myself navigating the memories and emotions of that moment, it hit me – grief is not a hurdle to overcome; it's a lifelong journey. Join me in this week's episode as I share the raw and real details of riding the wave of grief. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

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The onset of a new year typically results in the creation of resolutions. Everywhere you turn, there are news articles, blog posts, and memes echoing the sentiment of a "new year, new you." However, for those grappling with grief, this season proves to be challenging. Each new year signifies another year without their cherished ones, a continuous stream of memories left unmade due to the absence of their loved ones. Navigating the transition from one year to the next becomes a formidable task.

For our journaling prompt this year, let's explore abstaining from resolutions in 2024. What would it entail to concentrate on living in the present amidst the throes of grief? Could you awaken each day and immerse yourself in every moment? Cast aside any diet plans or intentions to alter your identity. Instead, focus on being fully present as you are and granting yourself the space to grieve without constraint.

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n the midst of last week's reflective journaling exercise, I unearthed a profound realization about my struggle to embrace joy during the holiday season. The overwhelming sense of disloyalty I feel towards my departed child casts a shadow over my Christmas celebrations. Join me as I unveil the journey of self-discovery that led to this insight, delving into the methods I employed to navigate these emotions while journaling. Moreover, I share invaluable coping strategies from this process, offering solace amidst the emotional turmoil. Looking ahead, the upcoming prompt beckons us to either pen a heartfelt Christmas letter addressed to our cherished departed child or leverage the newfound wisdom gleaned from our introspective journaling expedition.

I would love to hear what you learned if you want to share with me at https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en